James Donald Patton

A six-generation lifelong resident of Walker County, James went to work at the Courthouse as an assistant in the county Auditors office on October 1, 1976. He was elected County Clerk in June of 1978, and was sworn in on July 14th of that year. He was elected each time without opposition until he retired on December 31, 2010 after serving for 32 ½ years. Prior to his tenure with the county, James attended Huntsville Public Schools and Sam Houston State University. He managed a local sporting goods business for several years before entering public service. While serving as County Clerk, he attended every A&M County Clerks Seminar for 32 years as well as all of the University of Texas law schools for County and District Clerks. He served on numerous committees and chaired a number of them as well. He was elected County Clerk of the Year in 1999 by the County and District Clerks Association of Texas, and in April of 2000, The Forrest Lodge #19 in Huntsville selected him to receive the Community Builders Award. A strong supporter of heritage and civic organizations, Mr. Patton served as the Chairman of the Walker County Historical Commission for 27 years before stepping down at the end of 2010. He has been a member of this organization since 1978 and was reappointed every two years by the Commissioners Court as this is a County Department and all of its members are likewise appointed. He served as the Director of the County Museum which is located in a 1862-Greek Revival House that is leased to the County (Gibbs-Powell House). He is a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and is a charter member of the Descendants of Austin's "Old 300" and was a former board member. Governor Ann Richards appointed him to the Sam Houston Bicentennial Commission for the term of 1992-1993. He helped to direct Huntsville's 150th Birthday and Walker County's 150th birthday. He has been involved in Celebrating Huntsville and Walker County's "Texas Independence Day, General Sam Houston's Birthday Celebration" since 1981. James came from a long line of public service. His paternal grandfather was elected as a member of the Texas Legislature in 1912 and served for several terms. He later served as County Judge, and then State Senator and finally as United States Congressman for 10 years. His son (James' Father) served as County Judge in Walker County and James' uncle served as County Attorney in Houston County for 30 years before retiring. So you can see that Public Service is in their blood. He says that they simply "Love People" and enjoy serving!! He is survived by wife, Liz Patton; son, Troy Keeler and family; nephew, Woody Johnson; nieces: Cassie Brizendine and Courtney Woodruff and numerous other family members and friends. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 10:00 am to be followed by a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial condolences can be made to the family at www.shmfh.com

James Donald Patton

September 2, 1947 - August 5, 2022